The Women Driving A New Era In U.S. Ski & Snowboard

Forbes

02-08-2025

With a history steeped in excellence and Olympic achievement, U.S. Ski & Snowboard has long been synonymous with winter sports success. But behind the podiums and highlight reels is a powerful story of transformation, one driven by bold leadership, forward-thinking partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to the athletes who risk it all on snow and ice.
At the center of this evolution is a team of women, both in the boardroom and on the slopes, driving the organization forward. At the helm is Sophie Goldschmidt, the President and CEO, a veteran of global sports who is building a future-focused vision rooted in athlete support, equity, and expanded visibility. Helping bring that vision to life is Anouk Patty, Chief of Sport, who brings a rare combination of athletic and executive experience. A former U.S. Alpine Ski Team member, Patty raced for Dartmouth College, where she was a three-time All-American and won the NCAA Skiing Championship in 1988. Trisha Worthington, Chief Revenue and Philanthropic Officer, provides the vital financial support behind the scenes. With decades of experience in Olympic fundraising, she has been instrumental in ensuring athletes receive the resources necessary to excel. From 1995 to 2007, she led fundraising initiatives that launched the $60 million Legacy Fund, and after founding the Park City Community Foundation, she returned in 2014 to continue driving support for the team.
Among the athletes are some of winter sport's biggest names. Mikaela Shiffrin, the most successful alpine skier in World Cup history and widely considered one of the greatest alpine skiers of all time. Jessie Diggins, the most accomplished cross-country skier in U.S. history, with three Olympic medals, seven World Championship medals, and three overall World Cup titles. And Brenna Huckaby, a trailblazing para snowboarder who won gold at both the 2018 and 2022 Winter Paralympics, was the first Paralympian featured in Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Issue, and recently won the 2024 ESPY for Best Athlete with a Disability.
U.S. Ski & Snowboard Center Athlete Support
Before stepping into her role as Chief of Sport for U.S. Ski & Snowboard, Anouk Patty carved her path on the slopes as a U.S. Alpine Ski Team athlete in the late '80s and early '90s and an NCAA champion at Dartmouth College. After more than two decades in corporate leadership, she returned to the sports world with a mission: to ensure athletes have a voice in the system she once navigated. 'When I was an athlete, we didn't have a say in decisions. Now, I make sure they do,' she says. Her lived experience builds trust with athletes and shapes a leadership approach rooted in inclusion and balance.
Chief Revenue and Philanthropic Officer Trisha Worthington has spent 21 years with the organization across two tenures. After helping launch and grow the Park City Community Foundation, she returned to U.S. Ski & Snowboard in 2014 to lead philanthropic strategy. Under her leadership, the Foundation has expanded donor engagement and increased support for athlete programs, training, and well-being.
Goldschmidt describes the organization's approach as 'one of the most well-rounded athlete support systems I've seen across sports organizations.' On the sport side, Goldschmidt says, 'We fund everything—training, coaching, medical care, rehab, strength and conditioning, travel, lodging. It's all tailored to each sport and athlete, but these basics are foundational.' Off the snow, 'We offer comprehensive insurance and sports medicine, mental health initiatives like sports psychology and wellness care, plus career and education guidance through our Athlete Career & Education program.' This ACE program includes 'tuition support, internships, life coaching, and mentoring—pairing athletes with former competitors and generous donors.'
'We think of these supports as spokes on a wheel,' Goldschmidt says, 'each one adding value both to the athlete and the organization. It's a constantly evolving program, and we're committed to adding new elements as athletes' needs change.'
U.S. Ski & Snowboard Ready For Milano Cortina 2026
As the countdown to the Milano Cortina 2026 begins, three of U.S. Ski & Snowboard's most accomplished athletes, Mikaela Shiffrin, Brenna Huckaby, and Jessie Diggins are preparing not only to compete but also to amplify the visibility and impact of their sports.
Jessie Diggins, three-time World Cup Champion and the most decorated American cross-country skier, eagerly anticipates what she hopes will be her fourth Olympic Games with both excitement and gratitude. 'One of the things I'm most looking forward to is having my friends, family, and husband there,' she shares. 'The last Games were under strict COVID protocols, and we couldn't have anyone with us. So this time, I'm thrilled to share the experience.' More than 50 people, including her high school coach and even her grandma, who's been training just to cheer her on in person, plan to be there. While winning more medals remains a goal, Diggins sees the Games as a celebration of her long journey: 'It's a chance to share this journey with the people who've supported me the whole way.'
For para snowboarder Brenna Huckaby, the 2026 Games represent both personal ambition and a larger mission. 'I'd love to medal in both of my events,' she says. 'That's the dream. But more than that, I want to give myself the best possible chance, put everything into training, preparation, and mindset. If I cross the finish line knowing I did that, I'll be proud, no matter the result.'
Beyond her own competition, Huckaby embodies the spirit of advocacy for disability representation and equity in sports. 'There are generally two kinds of people: those who know what the Paralympics are, and those who've maybe heard of them but don't really understand them,' she explains. The Paralympic movement, she notes, is still young and evolving. 'Throughout my career, I've faced barriers to equality and fair competition. At some point, you have to decide: accept it as 'just the way it is,' or challenge it. I chose to challenge it.'
Huckaby's fight to compete in 2022 was about more than medals, it was about visibility, equity, and changing the narrative for future generations. 'I do think we've made progress,' Huckaby says, 'but there will be more roadblocks. Whether it's me or someone else, the fight will continue, and I'm excited to see that change.'
World No. 1 alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin looks ahead toward her fourth Olympic Games with a fresh and personal view of what success means. Reflecting on her enduring motivation, she shares, 'I get asked a lot: 'What are you still doing this for?' Not in a negative way, more like, 'What's still motivating you?' I don't operate based on chasing one big goal like a medal. Of course, results, Olympic medals, World Cup globes, records, they inspire me. But there's another layer of motivation: the joy of training, of making better turns, of seeing improvement year after year. That hasn't changed.'
Building Visibility For US Ski & Snowboard Athletes
For the athletes, Milano Cortina 2026 is not just about medals, it's about visibility, inclusion, and inspiring the next generation. Mikaela Shiffrin reflects candidly on the ongoing challenge of visibility for women and snow sport athletes. She acknowledges, 'Honestly, I don't think women or really any snow sport athletes get the visibility we've earned, especially on the global stage.' Complicated broadcast rights and fragmented streaming platforms make it difficult for fans to access competitions. 'If people can't watch, it's hard to build a fan base or tell athlete stories,' she explains. Yet Shiffrin remains hopeful, noting that 'there's work being done behind the scenes with FIS and others to simplify broadcasting, but it's a multi-year process. Hopefully in the next 5 to 10 years, we'll see progress.'
In the U.S., visibility has improved thanks to partnerships such as the creation of the Stifel Snow Show on NBC, which provides regular exposure for winter sports throughout the season. Shiffrin credits Stifel's support for her 'Moving Right Along' YouTube series, offering fans behind-the-scenes access to her injury and comeback, team moments, and mental health challenges. This season, she plans to expand the series with a podcast-style format to highlight other athletes' stories. 'That kind of support makes a real difference,' she says.
She emphasizes the importance of storytelling beyond just race results: 'The Olympics will always draw big attention, but if people already know who we are and what we've gone through, it adds so much more meaning.'
Building on this focus on storytelling, US Ski & Snowboard partnered with TOGETHXR to launch a mini-docuseries called 'The Drop In' highlighting up-and-coming women snowboard athletes. Goldschmidt explains that the collaboration offers 'behind-the-scenes access and storytelling that goes beyond competition results.' TOGETHXR helps the organization share real-time moments, amplify big results, and tell stories throughout the season. Goldschmidt adds, 'Our goal is to be a year‑round content engine, not just during winter. We want these stories to reach broader audiences via platforms that align with Team USA and the next generation of fans.'
Fueling Team USA's Future Through Philanthropy
US Ski & Snowboard operates without government funding, making philanthropy essential, it accounts for about one-third of the organization's revenue.
Chief Revenue and Philanthropic Officer Trisha Worthington highlights philanthropy's critical role in fueling Team USA's athletic programs. 'Supporting the Olympic mission demands significant resources,' she explains. 'We'll spend an extra $2 million this year just to get our 10 teams to the Games, covering flights, lodging, meals, everything.'
Since Sophie Goldschmidt joined as President and CEO, corporate sponsorship revenue has nearly tripled, but Worthington stresses, 'Philanthropy remains critical.' Stability comes from a deeply engaged board of trustees, long-term donor relationships, and a fundraising team with many members serving over ten years.
Guided by Goldschmidt's bold vision, US Ski & Snowboard focuses on three key priorities: advancing athletic and operational excellence by professionalizing systems and resources; increasing athlete visibility to build personal brands and commercial opportunities; and ensuring financial sustainability by growing sponsorships and philanthropy for efficient reinvestment.
'Our athletes are among the best in the world—brave, innovative, and fearless,' Goldschmidt says. 'In my experience across sports like tennis, golf, and surfing, I've rarely seen athletes push limits like this.' She adds, 'Donations directly fuel Team USA. Investing in us means investing in American snow sports and the next generation of athletes.'
Vision And Heart Driving U.S. Ski & Snowboard Forward
Goldschmidt sets the tone as Milano Cortina 2026 fast approaches. 'Team USA will make up over 60% of the winter team, and the eyes of the world will be on us,' she says. But the focus isn't on chasing medals. 'We focus on consistent performance across World Cups and seasons. The athletes who rise to the top at the end of the season are the ones who deliver at the Olympics.'
Goldschmidt highlights the unique camaraderie within snow sports. 'Team USA isn't a team people love to root against, we're often everyone's second favorite team. Athletes support each other across disciplines, and there's camaraderie at every event.' She sees the Olympics as a moment to showcase that spirit even more.
Anouk Patty, echoes this mindset. 'While we're not fixating on specific medal targets daily, we're focused on culture and preparation. The Winter Olympics is in Italy, one of the most stunning places on Earth. To be there, surrounded by our athletes and staff, all aligned under one goal, is incredibly powerful. I can't wait.'
For Trisha Worthington, the Games carry a personal meaning. 'Like Anouk, I'm thrilled the Games are back in Europe. But for me, it's also about the relationships. I've watched many of these athletes grow up. To see them on the Olympic stage feels like watching my own kids compete. It's emotional and deeply rewarding.'